Have you ever stuck out of the beaten path or on the wayside of an empty road? Even if this has never happened to you, none can guarantee it will not happen tomorrow or this weekend. That’s why you should be prepared for such a turn of events, especially if you’re a truck driver who spends plenty of time at the wheel. How can you do that? Inspect your vehicle before each trip and keep the following must-have truck accessories at hand.
The list of automotive essentials or what truck drivers must have on the go
Whether you’re a weekend off-roader or professional truck driver, there are several automotive essentials that can make your life easier in the event of an emergency on the road:
1) Fire extinguisher
Safety is your number one priority, so a properly functioning Fire extinguisher must be within your reach if something happens to your truck or another vehicle on the road.
2) First-aid kit
No matter what vehicle you drive, you must have a first-aid kit containing different bandages, sterile gauze dressings, and other essentials required by the law. You don’t have to purchase them individually because they are usually sold together as a kit.
3) High-visibility safety vest
If you’re stuck on the road at nighttime, a high-visibility safety vest will make you easily noticeable to other road users from long distances. It doesn’t cost a bomb but may cost you a life if you neglect it.
4) Flashlight
A Flashlight is not one of the must-have items for truck drivers that can save your life in case of a collision; however, it will save you a lot of headaches if you have to inspect your vehicle on a dark road at nighttime. Make sure the battery is fully charged before every long trip.
5) Emergency flares or a reflective triangle
In case of an emergency, you should put them on the road behind your vehicle to notify approaching same row drivers behind you of an emergency.
6) Jack
Tire punctures happen all the time, especially when driving off-road. The right size and quality jack will allow you to lift your vehicle to replace a bad wheel.
7) Spare wheel or a tire repair kit
Depending on your truck, it comes equipped with one or more spare wheels or a tire repair kit to fix punctures. Always check if your spare tire or tire repair kit is in mint condition before a trip.
8) Basic hand tools
It goes without saying that you can’t transport all tools and equipment you may require to fix all car breakdowns. However, it is always a good idea to have the most common tools at hand to fix the simplest ones.
9) Work gloves
Clean hands are the assurance of a clean steering wheel and interior. Suitable work gloves will help you keep your hands clean and protected when working on your vehicle.
10) Jumper cables
A malfunctioning alternator may play a bad joke with your battery. A set of quality jumper cables will allow you to start the engine using another power source if your battery gets discharged.
11) Winch
When you’re out of the beaten path, everything may happen. For example, you may stick in the mud so you can’t move far from the nearest locality. A good winch can help you get off that mess quickly so you can continue conquering off-road terrains in a good mood.
12) Car organizer
A car organizer will help you organize your interior storage space and keep all small essentials at hand. Depending on an organizer type, it can be installed under your front seat, in the truck, or somewhere else in your cab.
13) Toolbox
If you drive a pickup truck, a high-quality toolbox is a must. It will protect your pricey tools and equipment from the impact of weather hazards while keeping them secure.
14) Tonneau cover
A high-quality tonneau cover is a costly yet excellent investment in your driving safety and comfort. It will cover and secure your pickup trunk, protecting its stuff from thieves and weather impact. With a tonneau cover, you will also be able to store large tools and equipment in your trunk if necessary.
Of course, this list is not the only guide to action; however, it consists of the basic truck essentials you should keep at hand to make your driving experience safer and less stressful in case of emergency.
Can I get all truck essentials from one source?
Except for some specific truck accessories, such as fire extinguishers and first-aid kits, which require special conditions to be stored the right way, you can purchase most of the essentials online at a good online store, for example, Truck&Gear. They provide premium quality truck parts and accessories at fair and affordable prices to suit the taste and budget of virtually any customer.